U.S. patent application number 11/625739 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-26 for a health monitor and a method for health monitoring.
Invention is credited to Reuven Nanikashvili.
Application Number | 20100217096 11/625739 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38288017 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100217096 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nanikashvili; Reuven |
August 26, 2010 |
A HEALTH MONITOR AND A METHOD FOR HEALTH MONITORING
Abstract
A method for health monitoring and a personal health monitor
that includes: a band that comprises at least one biometric sensor;
and a data connector adapted to fasten a first end of the band to a
second end of the band, and is also adapted to be connected to a
reception device such as to provide data to the reception device;
wherein the data connector is coupled to the at least one biometric
sensor.
Inventors: |
Nanikashvili; Reuven;
(Ashdod, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SONNENSCHEIN NATH & ROSENTHAL LLP
P.O. BOX 061080, WACKER DRIVE STATION, WILLIS TOWER
CHICAGO
IL
60606-1080
US
|
Family ID: |
38288017 |
Appl. No.: |
11/625739 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60761239 |
Jan 23, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/301 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/6822 20130101;
A61B 5/6831 20130101; A61B 5/002 20130101; A61B 5/1117 20130101;
A61B 5/02438 20130101; A61B 5/681 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/301 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00 |
Claims
1. A personal health monitor comprising: a band that comprises at
least one biometric sensor; and a data connector adapted to fasten
a first end of the band to a second end of the band, and is also
adapted to be connected to a reception device such as to provide
data to the reception device; wherein the data connector is coupled
to the at least one biometric sensor.
2. The health monitor of claim 1 wherein the data connector is a
USB compliant connector.
3. The personal health monitor of claim 1 wherein the band and the
data connector have a form of a bracelet.
4. The personal health monitor of claim 1 wherein the band and the
data connector have a form of a necklace.
5. The personal health monitor of claim 1 wherein the band and the
data connector have a form of a chest belt.
6. The personal health monitor of claim 1 further comprising a
display.
7. The personal health monitor of claim 1 further comprising at
least one button.
8. The health monitor of claim 1 wherein at least one biometric
sensor comprises a heartbeat meter.
9. A health monitor of claim 1 further comprising a receiver that
is adapted to receive information over a wireless data link adapted
from a reception device.
10. A method for health monitoring, comprising: fastening a first
end and a second end of a band wearable by a person using a data
connector; gathering biometric data by at least one biometric
sensor at least partially surrounded by the band; connecting the
data connector to a reception device; and transmitting to the
reception device data representative of the biometric data gathered
by the at least one biometric sensor.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the stage of fastening comprises
using a USB compliant data connector.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein the stage of fastening comprises
fastening the first and second ends of the belt using a data
connector that form of a bracelet.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein the stage of fastening comprises
fastening the first and second ends of the belt using a data
connector that form a necklace.
14. The method of claim 10 wherein the stage of fastening comprises
fastening the first and second ends of the belt using a data
connector that form a chest belt.
15. The method of claim 10 wherein the stage of gathering biometric
data comprises the gathering of heartbeat data.
16. The method of claim 10 wherein the stage of transmitting to the
reception device is performed over a wireless data link.
17. The method of claim 10 further comprising a stage of receiving
data from the reception device.
18. A personal health monitor comprising: a band that comprises at
least one biometric sensor; a connector adapted to fasten a first
end of the band to a second end of the band; and a communication
circuit, coupled to the at least one biometric sensor, adapted to
transmit biometric data.
19. The personal health monitor according to claim 18 wherein the
connector is a data connector that is adapted to be connected to a
reception device such as to provide data to the reception device;
wherein the data connector is coupled to the at least one biometric
sensor.
20. A method for health monitoring, comprising: fastening a first
end and a second end of a band wearable by a person using a
connector; gathering, biometric data by at least one biometric
sensor at least partially surrounded by the band; transmitting to a
reception device data representative of the biometric data gathered
by the at least one biometric sensor.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a nonprovisional and claims the
priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/761,239,
filed Jan. 23, 2006, entitled "Device and Method for Retrieving
Medical Information", and incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a health monitor
and to a method for health monitoring.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Methods and systems for personal health and wellness
monitoring are continuously developing in recent years. More
specifically, these methods provide for continuous monitoring of
individual's health condition.
[0004] Patients who need continuous monitoring of their health
condition, may need to return frequently to their health care
provider's in order to perform routine tests, mainly aimed at
measuring biometric parameters which may include body temperature,
heart rate, blood pressure, ECG, glucose level and body fat
analysis. The need for the patient to frequently return to the
health care provider is inconvenient, time consuming and
expensive.
[0005] Arrangement for home care by professional individuals such
as nurses or medical doctors who visit patients in order to
continuously monitor their health can also be expensive and
inconvenient. Addressing this issue by placing a home-based
equipment at the patient's site is often bulky and hard to operate,
and as such also requires intervention of professional
individuals.
[0006] Another area of concern is the need to routinely collect
biometric parameters under patient's regular daily routine--either
at rest, or during routine, or during intensive physical effort,
typical to sport activity.
[0007] Yet another area of concern is the ability of the medical
center to provide patients with important information on a timely
manner. Such information may include scheduled reminders and
notifications for drugs.
[0008] Yet another area of concern is the need for the medical
center to provide for fast response in case of emergency. Such
emergencies may include conditions of "no movement" of the
monitored patient, response to falling of a patient, irregular
changes in heartbeat rate, change in ECG and like.
[0009] The following U.S. patents and patent applications, which
are incorporated herein by reference, provide a brief review of
state of the art health monitoring systems and health monitoring
methods: U.S. Pat. No. 7,018,339 of Birnbaum et al, titled "Method
for processing heart rate information in a portable computer"; U.S.
patent application 2004/0027244 of Menard, titled "Personal medical
device communication system and method"; U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,238 of
Kirk, et al., titled "Health support system"; U.S. Pat. No.
5,566,676 of Rosenfeldt et al., titled "Pressure data acquisition
device for a patient monitoring system"; U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,586 of
Heinonen et al., titled "Method for monitoring the health of a
patient"; U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,020 of Heinonen et al., titled
"monitoring method and a monitoring equipment"; U.S. Pat. No.
5,983,193 of Heinonen et al., titled "patient's nursing apparatus
and nursing system"; US patent application 20060173712A1 of Dirk,
titled "Portable medical information system"; US patent application
20050245793A1 of Hilton et al, titled "Personal wellness monitor
system and process"; US patent application 70050203349A1 of
Nanikashvili, titled "Personal health monitor and a method for
health monitoring"; U.S. Pat. No. 6,366,871 of Geva titled
"Personal ambulatory cellular health monitor for mobile
patient".
[0010] While various implementation of personal health monitoring
solutions have been developed, there is a need for a design which
encompasses the desired characteristic as presented in accordance
with this technology.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The invention provides a method for health monitoring, the
method includes: (i) fastening a first end and a second end of a
band wearable by a person using a data connector; (ii) gathering
biometric data by at least one biometric sensor at least partially
surrounded by the band; (iii) connecting the data connector to a
reception device; and (iv) transmitting to the reception device
data representative of the biometric data gathered by the at least
one biometric sensor.
[0012] The invention provides a method for health monitoring, the
method includes: (i) fastening a first end and a second end of a
band wearable by a person using a connector; (ii) gathering
biometric data by at least one biometric sensor at least partially
surrounded by the band; and (iii) transmitting to a reception
device data representative of the biometric data gathered by the at
least one biometric sensor. The transmitting can include wireless
transmitting the biometric data, transmitting the biometric data
via a data connector, and the like.
[0013] The invention provides a personal health monitor that
includes: (i) a band that includes at least one biometric sensor;
and (ii) a data connector adapted to fasten a first end of the band
to a second end of the band, and is also adapted to be connected to
a reception device such as to provide data to the reception device;
wherein the data connector is connected to the at least one
biometric sensor.
[0014] The invention provides a personal health monitor that
includes: (i) a band that includes at least one biometric sensor;
and (ii) a connector adapted to fasten a first end of the band to a
second end of the band; and (iii) a communication circuit adapted
to transmit biometric data. The communication circuit can be at
least partially surrounded by the band, connected to the band and
the like. The communication circuit can wirelessly transmit
biometric data, utilize a data connector to transmit biometric data
via a wired connection and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Further features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the description below. The invention is herein
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic functional block diagram of a health
monitoring system, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIGS. 2A-2C are simplified illustrations of a person that
wears a personal health monitor, according to various embodiments
of the invention;
[0018] FIGS. 3A and 3B are simplified illustrations of a medical
bracelet, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a personal health
monitor, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIGS. 5a-5e illustrates various screens displayed to a user
according to an embodiment of the invention; and
[0021] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for health monitoring,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which shows a schematic
functional block diagram of a system for personal health monitoring
constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0023] Bracelet 100, which is attached to a monitored person, is
configured to perform biometric parameters measurement on that
person, to process the biometric data and transmit them via link
120 to a reception device 200. Link 120 may be a wireless
connection such as WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular, or a wired connection
such as a direct USB connection.
[0024] Link 120 may also be used to transmit data from reception
device 200 to bracelet 100. Such data may be, but not limited to,
setup parameters of bracelet 100. Reception device 200 may be a
laptop computer, a desktop computer, a Personal Digital Assistant
(PDA), a pocket PC, a cellular phone and like.
[0025] Reception device may further connect to medical center
System 300, conveniently, via Internet connection or cellular
network 400. Medical center System 300 is conveniently, constructed
of a computer system with a Database and dedicated computer
software. Medical Center System is also conveniently located in as
medical clinic such as a hospital.
[0026] It is noted that more than one bracelet can be connected to
a single reception device, and more than one reception device can
be connected to a single medical center. With reference to FIG. 1,
by way of example, both bracelets 100 and 100' are connected to
reception device 200, while bracelets 100'' and 100''' are
connected to reception device 200'.
[0027] It is also noted that a single reception device may be
connected to more than one medical center. With reference to FIG.
1, by way of example, both reception devices 200 and 200' can
connect to either medical center system 300 or medical center
system 300'.
[0028] Reference is made now to FIG. 2A, which shows a simplified
illustration of a bracelet in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. Monitored person 10 carries a bracelet 100 which
has the form of a bracelet. The monitored person can also use a
display and an operating buttons (both illustrated in FIG. 4) to
set up the bracelet, and to retrieve and send information.
[0029] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A and 3B which show a
simplified illustration of a personal health monitor such as
bracelet 100.
[0030] A data connector such as USB connector 121 is adapted to
enable direct connection to reception device 200, as a link 120
shown in FIG. 1, and may be also used in as a physical connection
which buckles the bracelet to the arm of the monitored person
10.
[0031] It is noted that although FIG. 2A illustrates a bracelet
that is worn on the hand of a monitored person that the bracelet
can also be worn on the leg of a monitored person (for example,
near his ankle).
[0032] With reference to FIGS. 2B and 2C forms other than a
bracelet may be used. Such forms include a necklace, as shown in
FIG. 2B, and a chest belt, as shown in FIG. 2C. It is appreciated
that other form factors may be used, in addition to those
illustrated in FIG. 2A-2C.
[0033] It is appreciated, therefore, that whenever the term
"bracelet" (or "health bracelet") is used, it may also include
other forms of the personal health monitor that include a band and
a buckle, such as, but not limited to, a necklace, a chest belt and
like.
[0034] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which illustrates a
simplified block diagram of bracelet 100, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The bracelet 100 includes
sensors, 112.sub.1 to 112.sub.N, adapted to measure biometric
parameters of the monitored person.
[0035] This set of sensors may include the following sensors:
Heartbeat rate meter, One lead EGO, Glucose level meter, Body
temperature meter, Ambient temperature meter.
[0036] Bracelet 100 may also include an accelerometer 130. The
accelerometer readings and optionally some of the sensed biometric
information) can be used to: (i) detect when the person fall (rapid
acceleration of bracelet, while the bracelet is still worn by the
person and still senses biometric signals), (ii) determine when the
person does not move, (iii) pedometer application, and the
like.
[0037] It is appreciated that the embodiment is not limited to any
set of specific sensors or number of parameters and other or
additional sensors may be added accordingly.
[0038] The control, processing and storage of measured data are
processed by Medical ASICs 135.sub.1 and 135.sub.2, and the Central
Processing Unit (CPU) 140, which also controls the whole operation
of the bracelet 100. The processed measured data is stored within
Flash memory 150, which can be further transmitted to reception
device 200, either via direct connection, such as USB connection
121, or via wireless connection 122. Wireless connection may be
either of the following: WiFi transmission, cellular communication,
short range Bluetooth and like.
[0039] Bracelet 100 also include display 110 and buttons 111, which
are used by the user for performing certain tasks, such as setting
up the bracelet, retrieving information sent to the user from the
reception device 200, and sending data to reception device 200.
[0040] Buzzer 160 is used to provide the user with specific
indications, such as a reminder and notification for drugs.
[0041] Bracelet 100 can also control room air temperature, using RF
link 112 to an air conditioning system (not shown). The control can
be set manually by the user or, alternatively, it can be responsive
to the status of the monitored person (heart beat, perspiration,
body temperature), but this is not necessarily
[0042] Bracelet 100 may be also configured to play MP3 music files
stored in Flash Memory 150, conveniently, using a Bluetooth headset
connected to bracelet 100 via Bluetooth link 122.
[0043] Bracelet 100 also includes a GPS unit 170, which is used to
measure and store accurate positions of the monitored person. The
position information may be used to locate the monitored person in
case of emergency.
[0044] Also included in Bracelet 100 a Real Time Clock (RTC) which
is used to perform time dependent tasks, such as drug reminder,
monitoring patient's location vs. time and like.
[0045] Also included in the Bracelet 100 is a battery 145. This
battery may be either a rechargeable type or a replaceable
type.
[0046] The reception device 200 is now described. The reception
device 200 can receive medical signals from multiple Bracelets;
100, 100', etc. as shown in FIG. 1. The reception device may be
realized on a laptop computer, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA),
pocket PC, desktop computer, smart cellular phone and like. By way
of example, the following description refers to realization of the
reception device on a laptop or a desktop computer, but it is
appreciated that equivalent realizations may be on other computing
platforms.
[0047] The reception device 200 executes a software for retrieving
the medical information, processing the information as well as
additional tasks. This software launches automatically when the
bracelet is connected to the reception device 200 via the USB
connector, or executed manually when other connection methods are
applied.
[0048] The software can add, edit and view demographic information,
medical information, etc. The desktop application optionally has
connectivity to local database (conveniently, an XML based DB).
[0049] The software user interface is a Graphical User Interface
(GUI) that can be used by a doctor or clinician in MCS 300 or 300',
or by a user of reception device 200 or 200'.
[0050] The software is available in two installation configuration
(i) a stand alone configuration for reception device 200 or 200',
and (ii) a Web center configuration which is most suitable for
Medical Center System (MCS) 300 or 300'. It is noted that all
software features detailed below are available for both
configurations.
[0051] The software features and operation will now be explained,
with reference to FIGS. 5A-5E.
[0052] Reference is now made to FIG. 5a, which illustrates the
general Graphical User Interface (GUI) used to operate the
software. The design of the desktop screen 400 may resemble Outlook
2005 type of interface.
[0053] The top side 410 of screen 400 contains a dynamic task bar,
which varies dynamically according to the specific screen
selection. The left hand side of the screen contains various
buttons and lists or search fields. Field 450 is a fixed display of
a list of patients, field 440 contains a fixed patient search
control which allows user to select specific patient according to
specific filled search fields. This provides the starting point of
the application. 430 is a Tab Selected Functionality field, which
may be used to navigate between the various screens, detailed
below.
[0054] The right hand side of the screen 420 is a data working area
which contains the detailed information or other entities which are
specific for each page. Also shown is a User Warning Area 460 which
is used to display warnings to user such as lack of communication
channel, warning of attempt to send an empty file, etc.
[0055] Reference is now made to FIG. 5b, which illustrates the
patient page.
[0056] The page allows the user to add or view details of a new
patient, or an existing patient after completing the searching
operation (first in a local database and then in a central
database). Patients field may include patient name details
(480.sub.1), Address field (480.sub.2), Birth data field
(480.sub.3), Gender data field (480.sub.4), Contact data field
(480.sub.5) which may include data such as phone numbers and email.
Medical data field 480.sub.6 may contain data such as smoking
record, height and weight, and like. It is noted that these fields
are shown only by way of example, and different fields may be
used.
[0057] Working area 420 of the receive page (not shown) contains a
list of all sets of available exams performed on a specific
patients. The user can scroll through all historical data by
pressing either the "previous" or "next" buttons located at the Tab
Selected Functionality field 430.
[0058] Reference is now made to FIG. 5C which shows an example of a
Test page, which allows the user to perform live tests on a
patient.
[0059] The working area 420 of the test page contains a test
selection field 490, which is used to select the specific test to
be performed (Blood pressure, ECG, etc.) and a specific test field
491 which is used to display the test results. The test is
initiated and concluded using "start" and "stop" buttons located at
Tab Selected Functionality field 430.
[0060] Reference is now made to FIG. 51y which shows the medical
history page. This page allows the user to view all tests performed
on a patient. Field 490 allows the user to select a specific test,
field 492 displays test results, field 493 displays additional
information of a specific test, such as experts' comments and
advices. Field 494 contains details on medical tests
transmission.
[0061] Tab Selected Functionality field 430 allows the user to
perform additional tasks such as displaying graphs of medical
tests, data printing and deleting, etc.
[0062] Send page (not shown) allows the user to send a whole set of
exams performed on one patient to Medical Center System 300. Tests
records are displayed on working area 420, and "send" or "resend"
operation are performed using corresponding buttons located at Tab
Selected Functionality field 430.
[0063] Setup page (not shown) allows the user to setup the system.
Two types of setups are available: (i) General setup which allows
user to configure general system parameters, and (ii) Medical setup
which allows user to setup bracelets parameters. Setup data is
further seat to a specific user bracelet 100 via link 120 in FIG.
1.
[0064] Reference is now made to FIG. 5E which illustrates the Drug
reminder page.
[0065] The page allows the user to configure the settings for the
drug reminder, which configures the medication name, dosage,
quantity and time in which the patient should take the medication.
Field 495 contains a list of available medications, while field 496
contains a list of selected medications for the current
patient.
[0066] Medications can be added or removed by using the
"add/remove" button 498. Field 497 contains the reminder data, such
as the scheduled hours for each medication, dosage/quantity, etc.
Drug reminder data is further sent to a specific user's bracelet
100 via link 120. Reminder function notifies the user by buzzer 160
patient's need for medications. Details of drug (i.e. name and
dosage) are displayed on screen 110.
[0067] The health monitor may execute various types of software as
well as use various interfaces.
[0068] The software application can use XML based database to save
the new or edited data. This applies to the data base of reception
device 200, as well as to the database of Medical Center System
300. The database contains information regarding: Subscribers
(patients) demographics, Devices, Events (ordered according to
Lot's--batches of various medical tests, performed at a certain
date), Other settings (user name, password, etc.), clinics
demographics, and software for use at the reception device 200.
This software is suitable for use at a software professional site,
such as a stand alone clinic. This software also includes
connectivity to Medical Center System 300.
[0069] The software can include software for use at the Medical
Center System 300, which is typically located at a Web center
client, such as a hospital.
[0070] The software supports abilities to connect/synchronize with
other medical devices
[0071] Reading medical data from the USB based bracelet, viewing it
on PC and sending data to medical center system 300. It also
enables retrieving of medical personal file of the patient, and
synchronizing data with the medical center system 300. It also
enables the configuration of the drug reminder on the bracelet
100.
[0072] The software is automatically launched whenever the bracelet
is connected to the USB port.
[0073] The software medical system requires high security levels of
consideration.
[0074] The internet messages uses secured HTTP (https://) with
proper certificate authorization (CA) from a known CA
authority.
[0075] Software shall have a secured login process that will
prevent un-authorized people to view private medical data.
[0076] It also allows access to database sources only through the
applications and prevents un-authorized access to database through
the database viewing and editing tools.
[0077] The software application can use internet XML http requests
to store and fetch data in the software web center database.
[0078] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of method 600 according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0079] Method 600 starts by stage 610 of fastening a first end and
a second end of a band wearable by a person using a connector such
as a data connector.
[0080] Conveniently, stage 610 includes using a USB compliant data
connector, fastening the first and second ends of the belt using a
data connector, wherein the belt and the data connector form a
bracelet, a necklace, a chest belt and the like.
[0081] Stage 610 is followed by stage 620 of gathering biometric
data by at least one biometric sensor at least partially surrounded
by the band.
[0082] Conveniently, stage 620 involves gathering of heartbeat data
or using any of the previously mentioned sensors.
[0083] Stage 620 is followed by optional stage 630 of connecting a
data connector to a reception device.
[0084] Optional stage 630 is followed by stage 640 of transmitting
to the reception device data representative of the biometric data
gathered by the at least one biometric sensor. The transmitting can
utilize a data connector but can also involve wireless transmission
of the biometric data using a wireless communication circuit of
medical monitor. The medical monitor also includes the at least one
biometric sensor.
[0085] Conveniently, stage 640 involves utilizing a wireless data
link.
[0086] Conveniently, stage 640 is followed by stage 650 of
receiving data from the reception device. The received data can
include control and/or configuration information that can affect
the operation of the monitor.
[0087] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that
various modifications and changes may be applied to the preferred
embodiments of the invention as hereinbefore exemplified without
departing from its scope as defined in and by the appended
claims.
* * * * *